Draa Valley Trek: 8 Days from Faija to the Chegaga Dunes
Why Choose This Draa Valley Trek
This Draa Valley trek is a full desert walk, from the stony plains near Zagora to the high dunes of Erg Chegaga. To begin with, you drive from Marrakech to Faija. Then you walk for five days with a camel caravan, past the Abbes pass, the Chegaga dunes and the remote dunes of Bougarne and Oued Naam, to M’Hamid.
Throughout the trek, the camels also carry the luggage and the camp. As a result, you walk light and sleep in quiet camps far from the tourist areas. In fact, few travellers see these dunes, so the silence is total.
However, if you have less time, see our 6 day desert trek. Also compare our 8 day Sahara walking holiday and all our trekking tours in Morocco.
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Marrakech |
| Walking | 5 trekking days in the desert |
| Level | Moderate, with long days on sand |
| Nights | Desert camps on the trek |
| Best time | October to April |
| Price | From 445 € per person |
Highlights of the Draa Valley Trek
- To begin with, drive over the High Atlas and down the Draa Valley.
- Then start walking from Faija with a camel caravan.
- After that, see the sea of sand from the Abbes pass.
- Also, climb the high dunes of Erg Chegaga.
- Later, reach the quiet dunes of Bougarne and Oued Naam.
- Finally, end the trek in M’Hamid, at the edge of the Sahara.
Draa Valley Trek: 8 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
To begin with, we meet you at Marrakech airport and take you to your hotel or riad. Then you have free time in the medina, for example at the Koutoubia or the Jardin Majorelle.
Day 2: Marrakech – Zagora – Faija
After breakfast, you cross the High Atlas and stop in Ouarzazate. Then you follow the Draa Valley to Zagora. There you also switch to a 4×4 to reach the plain of Faija, where the camel team waits at the first camp.
Day 3: Faija – Desert Plains
In the morning, the team loads the camels and the walk begins. Then you cross stony plains, while the Saghro and Bani mountains rise on the horizon. Later, you camp in a lonely spot, sometimes near nomad tents.
Day 4: Desert Plains – Abbes Pass – Erg Chegaga
Then you climb to the Abbes pass, with a wide view over the sand sea. After that, you walk down into the dunes of Erg Chegaga, the largest in Morocco. In the evening, you watch the sunset from a high dune.
Day 5: Erg Chegaga – Bougarne Dunes
Later, you leave the big dunes for the quiet dunes of Bougarne. Along the way, you also rest in the shade of tamarisk trees for lunch. In fact, few visitors come here, so the desert feels untouched.
Day 6: Bougarne – Oued Naam Dunes
After sunrise on the dunes, you cross a wide rocky plateau. Then, in the afternoon, you reach the soft dunes of Oued Naam for your last camp.
Day 7: Oued Naam – M’Hamid – Marrakech
On the last walking morning, you reach M’Hamid, the end of the road. Then a 4×4 takes you back up the Draa Valley. After lunch on the way, you also cross the Atlas and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Day 8: Departure from Marrakech
Finally, you have free time in Marrakech, before we take you to the airport for your flight.
Expert tip from our desert guides
Train with long walks before you come, because sand makes each step harder. In addition, bring gaiters and a good sleeping bag, since nights are cold in winter. Also, protect your skin and lips from the dry wind. Finally, tell us about any health issues, so the guide adapts the pace.
More treks in Morocco: 5 day Jbel Saghro trek, 7 day Saghro and Sahara trip and overnight camel trek in Merzouga.
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What Is Included
- Camel trekking through the Sahara Desert, including the Erg Chegaga dunes.
- Experienced local guides and camel handlers to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
- Transportation in a 4×4 vehicle and a tourist van from Marrakech to the desert.
- Accommodation in comfortable tents during the trek, set up at campsites.
- Meals (full board) provided throughout the trek, including traditional Moroccan dishes.
- Support staff, including a cook and camp assistants, to take care of the logistics.
- Guided exploration of local villages, oases, and desert landscapes.
- Entrance fees for the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou and other sites.
Good to Know Before Your Draa Valley Trek
- Arrival: we also meet you at Marrakech airport on day 1.
- Level: the trek is moderate, so you need good fitness for long days on sand.
- Season: October to April is best, because summer is far too hot.
- Comfort: there are no showers in the camps, so bring wet wipes.
- Packing: see our trekking in Morocco packing list.
- Desert choice: read our guide Erg Chigaga vs Merzouga.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the Draa Valley Trek
Prices start at 445 € per person, because every trek is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Zagora → Faija → Erg Chegaga → Bougarne → Oued Naam → M’Hamid → Marrakech
FAQ About the Draa Valley Trek
How hard is the Draa Valley trek?
In general, it is moderate. However, walking on sand is tiring, so good fitness helps.
How many days do we walk?
In fact, you walk for five days, from Faija to M’Hamid.
Where do we sleep on the Draa Valley trek?
You sleep in simple desert camps, while the camels carry the tents.
Is a hotel in Marrakech included?
No, but we can book a hotel or riad for your first and last nights.
When is the best time to go?
October to April is best. Therefore, we do not run this trek in summer.
What should I bring?
Above all, bring a warm sleeping bag, gaiters, a scarf, sunscreen and a headlamp.
